Objective
In beginning to study typography, it’s important to gain a steady grasp on the basic terminology associated with the field. This is necessary not only to participate in intelligent discussions about type, but also introduces you to the types of problems or challenges you will face as a typographer and designer.
You will be given a list of typographic terms, mostly specific to type anatomy, and will deal with (though not necessarily define) some issues associated with the handling of bodies of text. You are to create a poster which defines these terms visually and also descriptively (in text). You should not only illustrate the definition of each term clearly, but you should also create a poster which is engaging in its composition and the way you connect the visual definition with the written one.
You are to choose the content, and the content you choose should make sense together and not appear unnaturally truncated. If your approach is mostly infographic, it’s fine if your project is not high-concept. But the design and tone of your project should reflect – at the least, not fight with – the content which you are dissecting.
Specs
- 8″ x 12″ Poster, Vertical or Horizontal
- You may use up to 2 typefaces. If you use 2, one must be serif and the other sans serif.
- You may use up to 4 colors. A screen (transparency) of a color counts as a color itself.
- Include all the terms listed below, and define them visually and in text.
- You cannot use any imagery. You may use bars of color and minimal texture, so long as the colors required don’t exceed what’s defined in the specs.
- Some examples from past students: Examples
Type Terms to Display (Show them and describe them in text):
- Cap Height
- Baseline
- X-Height
- Ascender
- Descender
- Axis
- Counter
- Serif
- Ear
- Ligature
- Terminal
- *Kerning
*This isn’t necessarily a type anatomy term, but its usage is very much dependent upon the anatomy of particular characters.
Concepts to understand (not to show on poster)
You should have an understanding of the following terms for this project and moving forward:
- Kerning
- Leading
- Tracking
- Italic
- Oblique
- Ragged Right
Step 1: Sketching
Sketch at least 20 layouts, using the proper proportions, to show different conceptual and composition approaches to creating your poster. This won’t get you too far on the project, as much of this project does require the setting of type. But it should help get you thinking about other ways to link your descriptions to your imagery than the standard key/legend format, and it will also help establish a solid composition.
20 distinct directions, due class after project assignment
Sketch Examples
These are useful sketches.
This is not.
Step 2: Making it Happen
After approval of a direction in sketch format, you will build your layout in Illustrator. Yes, Illustrator. No, not Photoshop. As you build your layout, keep in mind the issues discussed regarding setting your type, such as justification and spacing of your textual content. Continue receiving feedback from instructor as you work.
Step 3: Finessing
When you feel your layout is built and all elements are intact, we will go over it again to finesse the details of your poster and address issues such as awkward spacing and the like. You should come to class the day before the project is due with a project that is very nearly complete.
Progress Review: 2nd day after assignment
Submission
You will submit a digital copy of your project. When you are done, save a press quality pdf of your project and the working files (including any non-standard fonts if used) into a folder labeled [lastname_f_project1]. Place this in the dropbox by the beginning of class on the due date.
Resources
- Type Deconstructed: A great type anatomy site
- An article on type anatomy with diagrams
- Using the pathfinder for highlighting. Demo. Turn on CC.
- Demo on Highlighting from me
Dealing with awkward spaces in your type